SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team is set for its final game of the regular season Saturday afternoon at Augsburg. Tipoff is slated for 1 p.m. in Minneapolis. The Gusties, who need a win at Augsburg paired with a St. Olaf loss to Macalester in order to secure a playoff berth, enter the game 8-16 overall and 8-11 in the MIAC, while the Auggies are 17-7 overall and 13-6 in the league.
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The Series: Saturday’s game marks the 185th meeting between Gustavus and Augsburg on the hardwood with the Gusties leading the all-time series 110-74. The Gusties defeated the Auggies on 92-88 on Jan. 19 in Saint Peter. Tied 83-83 with 2:51 left in the game, the Gusties were able to make three from the charity stripe followed by a clutch three-pointer from Isaac Douglas (Jr., Montevideo) with 1:14 left on the clock to go ahead 89-84. The Gusties made 4-of-6 free throws in the final 21 seconds to put a stamp on the game. Jake Guse scored a season-high 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Guse added eight rebounds (four offensive) and two blocks. Nolan Malo also had a strong performance, recording his first career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds (six offensive).
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus is struggling through a seven-game losing streak, most recently dropping a 71-63 decision to Saint Mary’s on Wednesday. Through 19 conference games the Gusties average 72.4 points (6th/MIAC), shoot 44.9 percent from the floor (7th/MIAC), and haul in 34.7 rebounds (3rd/MIAC). Their 4.4 blocks per game tops the conference and their +1.1 rebound margin is third best. The Achilles heel all season has been turnovers as the Gusties average a league-high 12.9 per game. Kaleb Feahn leads the offense with 13.7 points per game, while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from beyond the arc. Logan Rezac leads the starting five with 11.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Scouting the Auggies: Augsburg has won four of its last six games, but most recently lost to Bethel 83-66 on Saturday. Through 19 conference games, the Auggies lead the league in free throw percentage (77.0) and assists per game (14.9). They average 80.8 points (2nd/MIAC), shoot 48.1 percent (3rd/MIAC), and haul in 33.6 rebounds (4th/MIAC). Booker Coplin leads the conference with 23.7 points per game, while shooting 86.5 percent from the free throw line (3rd/MIAC). Coplin also leads the Auggies with 8.1 rebounds per game. Matt Carik is the second leading scorer with 13.3 points.